a program she runs introducing music and movement to young children (and their parents).
As a youngster, about five, she took her first tap class. She enjoyed music and movement throughout her life, so much so, that she made music her life-long passion, teaching, performing, writing her own music. Throughout, she had teachers and mentors who guided and supported her.
Her philosophy of education rests on the concept that we need to be exposed, need to have fun trying, need to receive encouragement and support as we try new things. In music literacy, it is not about "performing", but about experiencing and becoming aware of the nuances.
Those of you who are writers, musicians, actors, painters, were your early experiences full of encouragement and appropriate modeling?
no,quite the opposite
ReplyDeleteMy little grandson, 17 months..takes music,swim,and French....it's a whole new world
and I like that....I love your daughter's name..Pia
so lovely
Oh, I can see the little guy enjoying everything on his plate. Yes, it's a different world, indeed.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, she's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteme? nope. not so much. or more accurately, not at all. can't imagine if it were otherwise.
xo
erin
Mentors and family are very important to our success, to our sense of self.
ReplyDeleteI try to remember all I received when I meet people that need someone.
Be a mentor, and your work as an angel will grow wings beyond your wildest reach.
Yes, she is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNo encouragement, except to learn piano. But learning it from my mom was not a good combination, so I foundered. I wasn't encouraged to do whatever I wanted, I wasn't exposed, and I sure didn't have fun!
The only mentor of my childhood was a high school English teacher. He exposed me to great beauty and made me believe I had the ability to create it too.
ReplyDeleteYes, those who inspire and expose us to beauty are most appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
How lovely to meet your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI've fallen down on coming over here. But I'm back and just in time to meet your lovely daughter. Working with children is so satisfying. They need someone like your daughter to inspire them.
I remember some great mentors during my school years. I needed them because my mother wasn't encouraging until later about my writing. I wrote anyway, and took piano and violin lessons. She kept telling me I was doing too much and was going to get sick! I see now how important good mentors are and try to be one in my own life, in whatever ways I can.
We can mentor others here on Blogger--don't you think so? I always enjoy your thoughts on a subject.
Yes, Ann. We can and should mentor here on Blogger. You and I have a wonderful opportunity to reach out and encourage and support those who want to write. You have supported me with your life story and your positive attitude. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your daughter's approach. I taught piano for many years, and considered that the most important aspect of learning to play was to find enjoyment in music, however that might be expressed. If for some that meant steering completely away from classical repertoire and keeping the scales and theory to a minimum, then that was fine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely profession to have - your daughter is lucky.